As we the transition from childhood to youth, some activities appear so captivating. As a result, many among the youth are inclined to have a go at them, and that is where they get into trouble.

So many of those ‘troubles’ share common root causes, the foremost being a neglect of rules (for instance, traffic rules) and going beyond the set boundaries. Here are some of those ‘fascinating activities’ that should be avoided, lest one lands in hot water.

Having a puff!

Either it is the fault of the various ads or of peer pressure, but many adolescents get into the habit of smoking cigarettes and now vaping. For many, it is a means to tell others that they are ‘grown-ups’ and, for the others, it is an escape from frustration. Even those boys who see their friends smoking and have a go at it for just a couple of days are at a loss.

We all know that cigarette smoking is addictive and it is always a better not to try it, instead of thinking that one will be able to leave it after ‘enjoying’ it for a while.

Researchers and the doctors have left no stone unturned in apprising the public about the harms of cigarette smoking. That is definitely not paper work; one can observe many people landing up in hospitals in pitiful conditions as a consequence of smoking. However, this will never end unless the self-held beliefs of many teenagers are eradicated.

There is a need to understand that there is no association of any kind between cigarette-smoking and being a grown-up. If you are 14 years of age, you’ll be able to get a licence in four more years, whether you smoke or not. While cigarette-smoking can blacken your lungs, it won’t help you in growing a moustache or a beard!

Secondly, being frustrated at this tender age is, in itself, a cause for concern. And, once again, there is no proven positive association between smoking and the resolution of stress, anxiety and depression. Each one of us has family and friends to share our worries with, opportunities to........

© Dawn Young Magazine